The Lichfield Garrick has revealed a star-studded cast for its hugely popular Christmas pantomime.  

Last week, the Garrick Panto cast from across the UK turned out to mark the start of the pantomime season in the build-up to the Opening Night on 29 November.  Startled passers-by came face to face with infamous characters in full Panto-costume as they posed for photographers outside the theatre.

As well as returning Garrick favourites Sam Rabone as Dolly the Cook and Ben Thornton as Silly Billy, Katrina Bryan (CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons) will play the magical Fairy Bowbells in this year’s festive extravaganza.

They are joined by seasoned professionals Ashley Emerson as Dick Whittington, Ieuan Rhys as Alderman Fitzwarren, Joanne Heywood as the baddie Queen Rat, Becca Lane as Alice Fitzwarren, and Lucy Parry as Tommy the Cat.  They will be supported by The Garrick’s juvenile company which gives local young people the chance to perform in an all-singing, all-dancing professional production. 

Sam Rabone, Panto Dame and Director of Dick Whittington said: “It’s nearly that time of year again. With Halloween just around the corner, today marks exactly two months until we start rehearsing for Dick Whittington and boy I can’t wait to get started. This fat bloke in a dress has her dream job this year... owner of a sweet shop and cake baker on the side! “

“It was so good to meet all the cast this week at the press launch, Lichfield you’re in for a treat, Katrina is just fabulous and I can’t wait to see her cast her magic over the audiences of Lichfield. And who’d have thought it… the garlic bread to my lasagne, the Yorkshire pudding to my beef, the lemon to my meringue - Ben Thornton is back too... and I can’t wait to get started with him again. Oh boy, have we got some treats for you this year, the BIGGEST slosh scene yet. This year I’m directing too and I can’t wait to bring the funniest and biggest Panto yet to Lichfield, see you all soon!”

Dan Ingleby, Marketing Manager for The Garrick said: “This event gives all the staff, cast and crew the opportunity to get to know each other ahead of rehearsals. From what I’ve seen so far this year’s Panto is going to be absolutely amazing. “Thanks to the (sell-out) success of last year’s production we have extended the run by a further week this year to give more people the opportunity to visit us and enjoy the festive fun.”

Dick Whittington is the third Pantomime at the Lichfield Garrick to be co-produced with Evolution Pantomimes following on from last year’s critically acclaimed Aladdin. It opens on Thursday 29 November 2018 and runs until Saturday 5 January 2019.

Book your tickets today on 01543 412121.